Most neighbourhoods across Brisbane’s Southside suburbs are fairly peaceful on face value, but this doesn’t mean that there are no points of tension between neighbours. Disputes, especially between neighbours, are very common, one thing that many neighbours dispute over is fencing. The location or the fence may be up for dispute if there are no clear boundaries, cost of installation and materials, the material and style of the chosen material, and the upkeep after its installed. Navigating fencing issues between parties can be tricky but a solution can always be found as long as both sides are willing to negotiate.
Today, we will look at the correct process of getting a fence built with your neighbour in Queensland.
Get a quote from the professionals
The first point of call after having a discussion about putting up a fence, is to gather a few quotes. One way to mitigate the risk of conflict when it comes to price of the fence is to gather a few quotes from reputable fencing contractors or landscapers who will provide an itemised quote which will give you a balanced idea of how much the fence will cost. Commonly the cost is evenly divided by both parties unless one party wants all the bells and whistles whilst the other wants a simple cheaper option. Once you have gathered a few (commonly three or more quotes), you can present your neighbour with these findings and you can allow them to see for themselves the options. Your neighbour can also consult their own preferred fencing contractor for another quote if they think your quote on hand might be too expensive or they want a specific type of fence or modifications.
Fencing material options
Choosing a fencing material may be the next hurdle as it comes down to preference and style. Options to consider for fencing materials commonly used in residential properties include:
- Timber including timber palings and lattice panels
- chain wire
- metal panels including Colorbond
- bricks
- rendered cement
- concrete blocks
- hedge or other barrier made from vegetation (keeping in mind this will take time to grow)
If after discussion both parties agree on a material with all the information gathered from the quotations, it is time to choose which quote you will go with.
Supply a letter to your neighbour
This step is necessary when there is no amicable consensus met between parties about having a fence installed at all and the details. Before building a fence between you and your neighbour’s property and for the formality of the fence settlement, must have in writing a letter addressed to your neighbour, highlighting the details about the type of fence, estimate costs or quotation (including their share of contribution), project timeframe, and other necessary information. This is called notice to fence.
This is a written formal notice that highlights your clear intent to build, fix or replace a fence, your neighbour’s budget responsibilities included. Keep in mind that there is no standard format for your notice to fence, but you have to follow the guidelines stated by the local government of Queensland. Seek legal advice if necessary.
Cost divide
The cost division will depend on the condition of the boundary fence. Commonly, cost division is split in half for both you and your neighbour to keep things even.
How about for repairs? It would be a good idea to discuss repairs and cost division for repairs. Repairs are not as clear cut because it depends on the cause of the damage and the side and location of the damage. If you have a leaning fence, the repairs would most likely be evenly split, however if damage is caused by neglect on one side of the property, it may be fair for one party to be responsible and pay for the repairs.
However, in the eventuality that your neighbour wants to have a fancier-styled fence installed, such as Colorbond fencing as opposed to chain wire, or taller posts because they have pets running around, or they simply just want to build another new dividing fence, then your neighbour should shoulder paying the bigger amount, or yourself if you are the one option for the modifications.
Fencing maintenance
Both neighbours are liable for half of the pay for the fence. But accidents or damages are inevitable. The rule of the thumb is if a homeowner or someone they authorised to be in their property causes any damage to the fence (for example, a construction team working on the property), they are responsible to restore the dividing fence to a reasonable standard, meeting the original state of the fence before the damage or incident happened.
Conclusion
Good fences make good neighbours. No matter how friendly you are with your neighbours, dealing with property is on another level. If you are having issues with coming to a consensus on fencing matters, you can always consult Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) in addressing fence disputes. The QCAT has the final legal enforceable verdict over your fence problem.
For professional quotation and/or installation, choose a trusted, reliable tradesperson. Fencing Brisbane Southside fencing contractor offers top standard fencing at affordable rates, Send us a message today and get a quote for your property,
